CAPITAL DISTRICT  When you look at the Erie Canalway, what do you see?

Ninety-two photographers from around the state answered that question by sending a total of 270 images to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor as part of the 2011 Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Twelve of those photos stood out from the rest and will make up the free 2012 Erie Canalway calendars, debuting later in the fall.

“These outstanding images show us the beauty and character of the canal corridor and remind us of what makes it a unique place to celebrate and preserve,” said Beth Sciumeca, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Judges sifted through the pile of landscape photos to create a calendar that depicted the diverse scenes along the canal, which stretches from Whitehall to Buffalo.

“You just get such a different and more diverse perspective from people who actually live or are visiting that particular place because the National Heritage Corridor is so large,” said Jean Mackay, director of communications and outreach for the corridor.

Creating the calendar by soliciting photos from the community has been the best and simplest way to go since 2006.

“We don’t really have the capacity to be out and about on any given day when the light is right, so it’s much nicer to have people to share with us what they’re seeing,” said Mackay.

Tina Baxter of Clifton Park captured a striking view of Whipple Bridge in Vischer Ferry, which won her first place in the “Nature of the Canal” category.

Submitted photo

Tina Baxter of Clifton Park taught herself how to photograph.

“It’s a 180-degree angle view, that’s my favorite lens,” said Baxter, who has been photographing for about a year.

She’s gotten “a lot of honorable mentions” but this was her first time clinching a higher honor.

“I thought it was awesome to get first place. It was really cool, I called my Mom,” said Baxter.